GeneWatch UK PR: GM mosquito questions still need answers

1st March 2017

In a new briefing, published today, GeneWatch UK highlights a string of unanswered questions about Oxitec's plans to expand and roll-out
releases of genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes across Grand Cayman (1).

The briefing highlights that a significant expansion of GM
mosquito releases would raise important questions about cost and effectiveness,
scientific protocols, risk assessment and public consent. The not-for-profit
organisation has sent the briefing to all the members of the Cayman Islands
Government to highlight these issues and concerns. The briefing lists sixteen
specific questions about the proposed expansion of releases, and highlights the
need for proper procedures to be developed to assess costs, effectiveness and
risks.

"A lot more public
information is required before larger trials of GM mosquitoes can even be
considered", said Dr Helen Wallace, Director of GeneWatch UK. "There are still yawning gaps in what is
known about the consequences of large scale releases, and no clear procedures
for how effectiveness or risks will be assessed. We still don't know the costs
of rolling out this programme or who is going to be paying for it".

GeneWatch UK is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to
ensure that genetic science and technologies are used in the public interest,
and that the public have a say about their use.